Psalms 17:1 (TPT)
I’ve been working my way through the book of Psalms. Today I studied chapter 17, and wow! It really speaks to me in this day and age. So, so, much is happening, it’s hard to actually keep up and to know what is true. Psalms 17 is a lament. The chapter is overflowing with the need for righteousness. David, the author, is appealing to the Supreme Court of Heaven. If you are an intercessor, then this Psalm is for you! There is intensity in this Psalm, David is not mildly asking God for help. No, no, he is yelling for help! He is asking God to hear him, hide him, and help him. He invites God to look at his life:
“Lord, I always live my life before your face, so examine and exonerate me. Vindicate me and show the world I’m innocent.” Verse 2
How many times have you been accused when there is no basis? David is pleading with God to look at him and see that his heart is in the right place, therefore he needs God to step in. He recognizes that God has inspected every part of him, refined him, and there is nothing found in him that is vile. Nothing!
“I’ve wanted my words and my ways to always agree. Following your word has kept me from wrong. Your ways have molded my foot-steps, keeping me from going down the forbidden paths of the destroyer.” Verse 3-4
God will never fail us. He will come to us in the slumber of the night and rest upon us. When our life path matches life- giving words He will find us innocent and protect us from the enemy of our soul. “When a man is withdrawn from the presence of his fellow-creatures, he sees more clearly his sins, which otherwise would be hidden from his view.” (Calvin) This time of night examination suggest something very similar to what many of us have experienced during 2020 and the pandemic. We have been more isolated from our work- place, and from friends, having the opportunity to be still before God. We are faced with self-examination on our own attitudes, loyalty, and obedience to God. (resource Brian Simmons).
When we can come before God knowing that we live a life of integrity and wisdom, we have the freedom to call for justice. And, I believe justice is needed throughout our country. Our future, and the future of our children hangs on the courage of those that are willing to cry for justice!
God is this God. He answers and He hears. “You will answer me, God; I know you always will. Hear my words, like you always do as you listen to my every prayer.” Verse 6
What is your cry for justice today? Are you coming before God with a plea for your life? Your country? Your family?
Prayer brings you face to face with God. When you pray you enter the Court of Heaven and your plea changes lives. This last weekend, my daughter and I worked on prayer square papers. It’s a 12 by 12 piece of paper divided into four sections on each side. Each section is labeled with a category of prayer such as: Family, Country, Self, Friends, etc…Then under each category we wrote out our prayers, our pleas, and added supportive scripture. Each day, we will read aloud from our prayer square and watch God work the daily miracles of justice, hope, strength, relationships, etc…. Because God hears us!
Come before your Friend, Jesus, and boldly ask him to hear your prayer and to bring justice to you and to your country. Enter into His court knowing this is where you belong!
“Protect me from harm; keep an eye on me like you would a child reflected in the twinkling of your eye. Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace, under your outstretched wings. Protect me there from all my foes. For there are many who surround my soul to completely destroy me.” Verse 8-9
Whatever the circumstances may be that we live in, or the trauma our country experiences, God is there to uphold and protect us. God is there to hear our plea and bring justice to the enemies that determinedly work to destroy us.
Pray on, friends! Ask Him to investigate your life today and move forward in confidence that you are covered by His blood and He will bring justice!
fabulous post